2009 was a year of TRIUMPH and disapppointment.  Eight teams had been established to serve in rural northwest China.  Due to unexpected circumstances two teams were cancelled.  We are pleased to report six teams were able to serve and a total of 508 cataract surgeries were performed this year by GANSU, INC doctors.  Our volunteer teams were honored to be a part of this success.

We will not dwell on the disappointment of the short mission to Gonghe, Qinghai Province, PRC.  Although originally scheduled as a four team mission the first team was cancelled due to the H1N1 "swine flu" virus scare around the world.  The second team scheduled to serve was allowed to begin the mission work and had great success serving the people of this Tibetan area.  The third scheduled team arrived, had a successful mission, and as they were preparing for the arrival of the last team a pneumonic plague arrived in the area and this team was informed they must close the work and leave the area due to this unexpected, yet serious, circumstance.  Therefore the last team was also cancelled and the mission was closed earlier than expected.  The two teams that did serve were able to perform 133 cataract surgeries.  This mean the lives of 133 patients and their families were greatly improved because of restored or improved vision.  We can dwell on this wonderful news!

As scheduled, four teams served in Qin'An, Gansu Province June through August.  The first team was quarantined for one week because of the H1N1 virus, but there were no other major medical issues to have to meet for the volunteer teams.  Doctors in Gansu province completed 375 cataract surgeries and all of us associated with the mission rejoice in this accomplishment.  All these lives are changed for the better because of the service offered them.

All of us associated with the administration of GANSU, INC are very grateful for the time and effort given by GANSU, INC volunteers.  It is only through their committment and attitude of service that lives are touched and changed.

Plans will begin very soon for 2010.  Volunteers needed are:  American Board Certified Ophthalmologists, nurses, interpreters to translate English to Mandarin Chinese and vice versa, and two non-professional volunteers.  One of these volunteers is a nurse's assistant and the responsibilities can be easily taught to a willing worker.  The other position is for a "handy man"; someone with a variety of experience with electrical, plumbing, mechanical issues, etc.  View the "Become a Volunteer" section of this site for more information.  Please also do not hesitate to contact the GANSU, INC office for answers to your questions.